Apparatus and method to read information from an information storage medium

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus to read information from an information storage medium using a read channel, where that read channel includes a data cache. The invention generates an analog waveform comprising the information, and provides that analog waveform to a read channel, and generates a digital signal from that analog waveform using one or more first operating parameters. The method error corrects that digital signal at an actual error correction rate, and determines if the actual error correction rate is greater than an error correction rate threshold. If the actual error correction rate exceeds the error correction rate threshold, then the method captures the digital signal, stores that captured data in a data cache, reads that digital signal from the cache, generates one or more second operating parameters, and provides those one or more second operating parameters to the read channel. Thereafter, the method uses those one or more second operating parameters to read the information from the information storage medium.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a Divisional Application claiming priority to a U.S.Non-Provisional application having Ser. No. 10/306,300, filed Nov. 27,2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Applicants' invention relates to an apparatus and method to readinformation from an information storage medium. Applicants' inventionfurther relates to a method to adjust in real time the operation of oneor more components in a data read channel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Automated media storage libraries are known for providing cost effectiveaccess to large quantities of stored media. Generally, media storagelibraries include a large number of storage slots on which are storedportable data storage media. The typical portable data storage media isa tape cartridge, an optical cartridge, a disk cartridge, electronicstorage media, and the like. By “electronic storage media,” Applicantsmean a device such as a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash PROM, compactflash,smartmedia, and the like.

One (or more) accessors typically accesses the data storage media fromthe storage slots and delivers the accessed media to a data storagedevice for reading and/or writing data on the accessed media. Suitableelectronics operate the accessor(s) and operate the data storagedevice(s) to provide information to, and/or to receive information from,an attached on-line host computer system.

Removeable media, whether magnetic, optical, or electronic, are subjectto variability. Such variability includes, for example, inconsistenciesbetween manufacturers of that media. In addition certainmagnetic/optical media comprise encoded information using pulse positionmodulation. Other magnetic/optical media, comprise encoded informationusing pulse width modulation. Some media comprise information encodedusing both pulse position modulation and pulse width modulation. Inaddition, such variability arises from modernization of the media.

In order to minimize the deleterious effects of such media variability,what is needed is an apparatus and method to read information from aninformation storage medium, where that method dynamically adjusts theoperating parameters of one or more components of the read channel inreal time, i.e. as the medium is being read.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicants' invention comprises a method and apparatus to readinformation from an information storage medium using a read channel,where that read channel includes a data cache. Applicants' method readsan information storage medium over a time interval and generates overthat time interval an analog waveform comprising the information encodedin the storage medium, and provides throughout the time interval thatanalog waveform to Applicants' read channel. The read channel is incommunication with a controller comprising one or more first operatingparameters for the read channel. During a first portion of the timeinterval, Applicants' method generates a digital signal from the analogwaveform using those one or more first operating parameters.

Applicants' method sets an error correction rate threshold. Whileforming the digital signal using the first one or more operatingparameters, Applicants' method error corrects that digital signal at anactual error correction rate, and during that first portion of the timeinterval determines if the actual error correction rate is greater thanthe error correction rate threshold. If the actual error correction rateis not greater than the error correction rate threshold, thenApplicants' method continues to generate the digital signal throughoutthe time interval using the one or more first operating parameters.

Alternatively, if the actual numbers of errors is greater than the errorcorrection threshold, then Applicants' method, during the first portionof the time interval captures the digital signal, stores that captureddata in the data cache, reads that data from the cache, using thatcaptured data generates one or more second operating parameters,provides those one or more second operating parameters to the readchannel. Thereafter, Applicants' method generates the digital signalfrom the analog waveform using the one or more second operatingparameters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in whichlike reference designators are used to designate like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a one embodiment of Applicants' datastorage and retrieval system;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the track layout of a tape head;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the components of one embodiment ofApplicants' data storage and retrieval system;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the components of Applicants' readchannel assembly;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the communication linksinterconnecting a plurality of read channels and an data cache;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the multiplexer/demultiplexer circuitsand communication links used to capture information from 8 differenttestports;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the multiplexer/demultiplexer circuitsand communication links used to capture information from 4 differenttestports;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the multiplexer/demultiplexer circuitsand communication links used to capture information from 2 differenttestports;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the multiplexer/demultiplexer circuitsand communication links used to capture information from 1 testport;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart summarizing the steps of Applicants' method toread information from an information storage medium; and

FIG. 11 is a flowchart summarizing the steps of Applicants' method tocapture data from (N) testports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the illustrations, like numerals correspond to like partsdepicted in the figures. The invention will be described as embodied ina read channel assembly disposed in a tape drive unit. The followingdescription of Applicants' apparatus and method is not meant, however,to limit Applicants' invention to either reading information from amagnetic tape, or to data processing applications, as the inventionherein can be applied to reading information from an information storagemedium in general.

FIG. 3 illustrates the hardware and software environment in whichpreferred embodiments of the present invention are implemented. Hostcomputer 390 includes, among other programs, a storage managementprogram 310. In certain embodiments, host computer 390 comprises asingle computer. In alternative embodiments, host computer 390 comprisesone or more mainframe computers, one or more work stations, one or morepersonal computers, combinations thereof, and the like.

Information is transferred between the host computer 390 and secondarystorage devices managed by a data storage and retrieval system, such asdata storage and retrieval system 320, via communication links 350, 352,and 356. Communication links 350, 352, and 356, comprise a serialinterconnection, such as an RS-232 cable or an RS-422 cable, an ethernetinterconnection, a SCSI interconnection, a Fibre Channelinterconnection, an ESCON interconnection, a FICON interconnection, aLocal Area Network (LAN), a private Wide Area Network (WAN), a publicwide area network, Storage Area Network (SAN), Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), the Internet, and combinationsthereof.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, data storage and retrieval system 320includes data storage devices 130 and 140. In alternative embodiments,Applicants' data storage and retrieval system 320 includes more than twodata storage devices.

A plurality of portable data storage media 360 are moveably disposedwithin Applicants' data storage and retrieval system. In certainembodiments, the plurality of data storage media 360 are housed in aplurality of portable data storage cartridges 370. Each of such portabledata storage cartridges may be removeably disposed in an appropriatedata storage device.

Data storage and retrieval system 320 further includes program logic tomanage data storage devices 130 and 140, and plurality of portable datastorage cartridges 370. In alternative embodiments, data storage andretrieval system 320 and host computer 390 may be collocated on a singleapparatus. In this case, host computer 390 may be connected to anotherhost computer to, for example, translate one set of library commands orprotocols to another set of commands/protocols, or to convert librarycommands from one communication interface to another, or for security,or for other reasons.

Host computer 390 comprises a computer system, such as a mainframe,personal computer, workstation, etc., including an operating system suchas Windows, AIX, Unix, MVS, LINUX, etc. (Windows is a registeredtrademark of Microsoft Corporation; AIX is a registered trademark andMVS is a trademark of IBM Corporation; and UNIX is a registeredtrademark in the United States and other countries licensed exclusivelythrough The Open Group.) The storage management program 310 in the hostcomputer 390 may include the functionality of storage management typeprograms known in the art that manage the transfer of data to a datastorage and retrieval system, such as the IBM DFSMS implemented in theIBM MVS operating system.

The data storage and retrieval system 320 comprises a computer system,and manages, for example, a plurality of tape drives and tapecartridges. In such tape drive embodiments, tape drives 130 and 140 maybe any suitable tape drives known in the art, e.g., the TotalStorage™3590 tape drives (TotalStorage is a trademark of IBM Corporation).Similarly, tape cartridges 370 may be any suitable tape cartridge deviceknown in the art, such as ECCST, Magstar, TotalStorage™ 3420, 3480,3490E, 3580, 3590 tape cartridges, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 1, automated data storage and retrieval system 100is shown having a first wall of storage slots 102 and a second wall ofstorage slots 104. Portable data storage media are individually storedin these storage slots. In certain embodiments, such data storage mediaare individually housed in portable container, i.e. a cartridge.Examples of such data storage media include magnetic tapes, magneticdisks of various types, optical disks of various types, electronicstorage media, and the like.

Applicants' automated data storage and retrieval system includes one ormore accessors, such as accessors 110 and 120. As shown in FIG. 1,accessors 110 and 120 travel bi-directionally along rail 170 in an aisledisposed between first wall of storage slots 102 and second wall ofstorage slots 104. An accessor is a robotic device which accessesportable data storage media from first storage wall 102 or secondstorage wall 104, transports that accessed media to data storage devices130/140 for reading and/or writing data thereon, and returns the mediato a proper storage slot. Data storage device 130 includes data storagedevice controller 134. Data storage device 140 includes data storagedevice controller 144.

Device 160 comprises a library controller. In certain embodiments,library controller 160 is integral with a computer. Operator inputstation 150 permits a user to communicate with Applicants' automateddata storage and retrieval system 100. Power component 180 and powercomponent 190 each comprise one or more power supply units which supplypower to the individual components disposed within Applicants' automateddata storage and retrieval system. Import/export station 172 includesaccess door 174 pivotably attached to the side of system 100. Portabledata storage cartridges can be placed in the system, or in thealternative, removed from the system, via station 172/access door 174.

In the embodiments wherein data storage drive 130 and/or 140 comprises atape drive unit, that tape drive unit includes, inter alia, a tape head.Referring now to FIG. 2, multi-element tape head 200 includes aplurality of read/write elements to record and read information onto andfrom a magnetic tape. In certain embodiments, magnetic tape head 200comprises a thin-film magneto-resistive transducer. In an illustrativeembodiment, tape head 200 may be constructed as shown in FIG. 2. Thelength of the tape head 200 substantially corresponds to the width of amagnetic tape. In certain embodiments tape head 200 includes thirty-tworead/write element pairs (labeled “RD” and “WR”) and three sets of servoread elements, LS1 and RS6 for example, corresponding to the three servoareas written to the magnetic tape. In the illustrated embodiment, thethirty-two read/write element pairs are divided into groups of eight,i.e. groups 201, 221, 241, and 261.

Tape head 200 further includes a plurality of servo sensors to detectservo signals comprising prerecorded linear servo edges on the magnetictape. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, adjacent groups of 8 read/write pairsare separated by two tracks occupied by a group of four servo sensors.Each group of four servo sensors may be referred to as a “servo group”,e.g. servo group 211, servo group 231, and servo group 251.

In the illustrated embodiment, tape head 200 includes left and rightmodules separately fabricated, then bonded together. Write and readelements alternate transversely down the length of each module (i.e.,across the width of the tape), beginning with a write element inposition on the left module and a read element in the correspondingposition on the right module. Thus, each write element in the leftmodule is paired with a read element in the corresponding position onthe right module and each read element in the left module is paired witha write element in the corresponding position on the right module suchthat write/read element pairs alternate transversely with read/writeelement pairs.

FIG. 4 shows the components of one embodiment of Applicants'asynchronous read channel assembly. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4, Applicants' asynchronous read channel assembly includesmicroprocessor interface 401, data cache 403, communication link 402interconnecting microprocessor interface 401 and cache 403. In certainembodiments, data cache 403 comprises one or more SRAM devices. Incertain embodiments, data cache 403 comprises about 4 kilobytes ofstorage. In certain embodiments, data cache 403 comprises more thanabout 4 kilobytes of storage.

Applicants' read channel further includes analog to digital converter405, equalizer 415, mid-linear filter 425, sample interpolator 435, gaincontrol module 445, phase error generator 455, PLL circuit 465, phaseinterpolator 475, path metrics module 486, and path memory 489. Pathmetrics module 486 in combination with path memory 489 comprises what issometimes referred to as a maximum likelihood detector 485. In certainembodiments, Applicants' read channel includes an PR4 maximum likelihooddetector. In certain embodiments, Applicants' read channel includes anEPR4 maximum likelihood detector.

In certain embodiments, Applicants' apparatus includes a single readchannel. In certain embodiments, Applicants' apparatus includes aplurality of read channels. In certain embodiments, Applicants'apparatus includes 8 read channels. In certain embodiments, Applicants'apparatus includes 8 read channels in combination with 2 servo channels.

When reading information from a magnetic tape using a read head, such asread/write head 200, an analog waveform comprising that information isfirst formed. An analog to digital converter, such as ADC 405 convertsthe analog waveform to a first digital signal. That first digital signalis provided to equalizer 415 using communication link 409. Communicationlink 409 includes testport 410. In certain embodiments, equalizer 415comprises a finite impulse response (“FIR”) filter. Such a FIR filtershapes the first digital signal to produce a second digital signal.

Communication link 411 interconnects testport 410 and data cache 403. Incertain embodiments, communication link 411 includes one or morecommunication links interconnecting testport 410 and one or more dataports, one or more communication links interconnecting the one or moredata ports with one or more multiplexers, one or more communicationlinks interconnecting the one or more multiplexers with one or moredemultiplexers, and one or more communication links interconnecting theone or more demultiplexers with data cache 403.

The second digital signal formed in equalizer 415 is provided tomid-linear filter 425 using communication link 419. Communication link419 includes testport 420. Mid-linear filter 425 determines the value ofthe equalized signal at the middle of the sample cell. Mid-linear filter425 produces a third digital signal which includes the equalized signaland the value of the equalized signal at the middle of the sample cell.

Communication link 421 interconnects testport 420 and data cache 403. Incertain embodiments, communication link 421 includes one or morecommunication links interconnecting testport 420 and one or more dataports, one or more communication links interconnecting the one or moredata ports with one or more multiplexers, one or more communicationlinks interconnecting the one or more multiplexers with one or moredemultiplexers, and one or more communication links interconnecting theone or more demultiplexers with data cache 403.

The third digital signal formed in mid-linear filter 425 is provided tosample interpolator 435 via communication link 429. Communication link429 includes testport 430. Sample interpolator 435 receives the thirddigital signal from mid-linear filter 425 and using the output of PLLcircuit 465 estimates the equalized signal at the synchronous sampletime. By synchronous sample time, Applicants mean the time when the bitcell clock arrives. PLL circuit 465 provides this time. Sampleinterpolator 435 provides a fourth synchronous digital signal.

Communication link 431 interconnects testport 430 and data cache 403. Incertain embodiments, communication link 431 includes one or morecommunication links interconnecting testport 430 and one or more dataports, one or more communication links interconnecting the one or moredata ports with one or more multiplexers, one or more communicationlinks interconnecting the one or more multiplexers with one or moredemultiplexers, and one or more communication links interconnecting theone or more demultiplexers with data cache 403.

The fourth digital signal formed by sample interpolator 435 is providedto gain control module 445 via communication link 439. Communicationlink 439 includes testport 440. Gain control module 445 adjusts theamplitude of the fourth signal to form a fifth digital signal having anamplitude set to preset levels required by the maximum likelihooddetector 485. The fifth digital signal is provided to maximum likelihooddetector 485 via communication link 448. Communication link 448 includestestport 480. Communication link 481 interconnects testport 480 and datacache 403. The output of the maximum likelihood detector is data oncommunication link 492 and a data valid signal on communication link493.

Communication link 481 interconnects testport 480 and data cache 403. Incertain embodiments, communication link 481 includes one or morecommunication links interconnecting testport 480 and one or more dataports, one or more communication links interconnecting the one or moredata ports with one or more multiplexers, one or more communicationlinks interconnecting the one or more multiplexers with one or moredemultiplexers, and one or more communication links interconnecting theone or more demultiplexers with data cache 403.

The fifth digital signal formed by gain control module 445 is alsoprovided to phase error generator 455 via communication link 449.Communication link 449 includes testport 450. Phase error generator 455estimates the phase of the fifth digital signal and generates an errorsignal.

Communication link 451 interconnects testport 450 and data cache 403. Incertain embodiments, communication link 451 includes one or morecommunication links interconnecting testport 450 and one or more dataports, one or more communication links interconnecting the one or moredata ports with one or more multiplexers, one or more communicationlinks interconnecting the one or more multiplexers with one or moredemultiplexers, and one or more communication links interconnecting theone or more demultiplexers with data cache 403.

Phase error generator 455 provides a phase error signal to PLL circuit465 via communication link 459. Communication link 459 includes testport460. Communication link 461 interconnects testport 460 and data cache403. In certain embodiments, communication link 461 includes one or morecommunication links interconnecting testport 460 and one or more dataports, one or more communication links interconnecting the one or moredata ports with one or more multiplexers, one or more communicationlinks interconnecting the one or more multiplexers with one or moredemultiplexers, and one or more communication links interconnecting theone or more demultiplexers with data cache 403.

The phase error provided by phase error generator 455 is processed byPLL circuit 465 which filters that phase error and determines thelocations of the synchronous bit cell boundaries. The locations of thesynchronous bit cell boundaries are provided to phase interpolator 475and sample interpolator 435 via communication links 469 and 478,respectively. Communication link 469 includes testport 470.Communication link 478 includes testport 479.

Communication link 471 interconnects testport 470 and data cache 403. Incertain embodiments, communication link 471 includes one or morecommunication links interconnecting testport 470 and one or more dataports, one or more communication links interconnecting the one or moredata ports with one or more multiplexers, one or more communicationlinks interconnecting the one or more multiplexers with one or moredemultiplexers, and one or more communication links interconnecting theone or more demultiplexers with data cache 403.

FIG. 5 shows the interconnections between 8 read channels, i.e. channels0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, and data cache 403. In certain embodiments,SRAM device 590 comprises data cache 403. Each of channels 0, 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, and 7, includes an equalizer 415, a mid-linear filter 425, asample interpolator 435, a gain control module 445, a phase errorgenerator 455, a PLL circuit 465, a phase interpolator 475, and amaximum likelihood detector 485. Each of channels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,and 7, further includes communication links 407, 409, 417, 419, 427,429, 437, 439, 447, 448, 449, 457, 459, 467, 469, 477, 487, 492, and493. Each of channels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, further includestestports 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 479, 480, and 490.

Each of channels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7, further includescommunication links 411, 421, 431, 441, 451, 461, 471, 481, and 491. Inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, communication links 411, 421, 431,441, 451, 461, 471, 481, and 491, disposed in channel 0 interconnectwith data ports 502 and 504. Similarly, communication links 411, 421,431, 441, 451, 461, 471, 481, and 491, disposed in channels 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, and 7, interconnect with data ports 512/514, 522/524, 532/534,542/544, 552/554, 562/564, and 572/574, respectively.

Data ports 502/504 communicate with multiplexer module 580 viacommunication links 506/508, respectively. Data ports 512/514communicate with multiplexer module 580 via communication links 516/518,respectively. Data ports 522/524 communicate with multiplexer module 580via communication links 526/528, respectively. Data ports 532/534communicate with multiplexer module 580 via communication links 536/538,respectively. Data ports 542/544 communicate with multiplexer module 580via communication links 546/548, respectively. Data ports 552/554communicate with multiplexer module 580 via communication links 556/558,respectively. Data ports 562/564 communicate with multiplexer module 580via communication links 566/568, respectively. Data ports 572/574communicate with multiplexer module 580 via communication links 576/578,respectively.

Multiplexer module 580 communicates over one or more communication linkswith demultiplexer module 581. Demultiplexer module 581 provides data toSRAM 590 via communication links 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, and589, which interconnect SRAM 590 with SRAM blocks 591, 592, 593, 594,595, 596, 587, and 598, respectively. The design of multiplexer module580 and demultiplexer module 581, and the number of communication linksinterconnecting multiplexer module 580 and demultiplexer module 581, isa function of the number of testports used to capture data.

For example, if Applicants' apparatus is used to capture data in realtime from 8 channels then the embodiment of FIG. 6 is used whereinmultiplexer module 580 comprises multiplexers 600, 610, 620, 630, 640,650, 660, and 670. In this 8 channel data capture embodiment, nodemultiplexer is used. If Applicants' apparatus is used to capture datain real time from 4 channels then the embodiment of FIG. 7 is usedwherein multiplexer module 580 comprises multiplexers 700, 710, 720, and730, and wherein demultiplexer module 581 includes demultiplexers 705,715, 725, and 735. Multiplexers 700, 710, 720, and 730, provide data todemultiplexers 705, 715, 725, and 735, respectively, using communicationlinks 707, 717, 727, and 737, respectively.

If Applicants' apparatus is used to capture data in real time from 2channels then the embodiment of FIG. 8 is used wherein multiplexermodule 580 comprises multiplexers 800 and 810, and wherein demultiplexermodule 581 includes demultiplexers 805 and 815. Multiplexers 800 and 810provide data to demultiplexers 805 and 815, respectively, usingcommunication links 807 and 817, respectively. If Applicants' apparatusis used to capture data in real time from 1 channel then the embodimentof FIG. 9 is used wherein multiplexer module 580 comprises multiplexer900 and wherein demultiplexer module 581 comprises demultiplexer 905.Multiplexer 900 provides data to demultiplexer 905 using communicationlink 907.

In certain embodiments, the devices, testports, communication links, andthe like, described in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, are implemented inhard wired circuitry. In certain embodiments, some or all of thedevices, testports, communication links, and the like, described inFIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, can be implemented in special purposeprocessors. In certain embodiments, some or all of the devices,testports, communication links, and the like, described in FIGS. 4, 5,6, 7, 8, and 9, can be implemented in high speed general purposeprogrammed processors. In certain embodiments, some or all of thedevices, testports, communication links, and the like, described inFIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 may comprise one or more application specificintegrated circuits, i.e. “ASICs.”

Applicants' invention includes a method to read information usingApplicants' read channel from an information storage medium. Referringnow to FIG. 10, in step 1005 Applicants' method provides an informationstorage medium having information encoded thereon. In certainembodiments, such an information storage medium comprises a magneticstorage medium, an optical storage medium, an electronic storage medium,and/or combinations thereof. By “magnetic storage medium,” Applicantsmean a medium wherein one or more magnetic properties can bedifferentially adjusted to encode information therein. By “opticalstorage medium,” Applicants mean a medium wherein one or more opticalproperties can be differentially adjusted to encode information therein.By “electronic storage media,” Applicants mean a device such as a PROM,EPROM, EEPROM, Flash PROM, compactflash, smartmedia, and the like.

In step 1010, Applicants' method selects one or more initial operatingparameters, i.e. first operating parameters, for one or more componentscomprising Applicants' read channel. By “read channel,” Applicants meanthe devices used to retrieve information from an information storagemedium, adjust/amplify/error-correct that information, and communicatethat information to one or more requesting computers. In certainembodiments, Applicants' read channel includes the devices andcommunication links recited on FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.

In certain embodiments, step 1010 is performed by a storage devicecontroller, such as device controller 134 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4) or devicecontroller 144 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4). In certain embodiments, step 1010 isperformed by a host computer, such as host computer 390 (FIGS. 1, 3). Incertain embodiments, step 1010 is performed by a data storage andretrieval system controller, such as controller 160 (FIG. 1). In certainembodiments, step 1010 is performed by a user using an operator inputstation, such as station 150 (FIG. 1).

In certain embodiments, the initial operating parameters of step 1010comprise those operating parameters established at the time a readchannel device was manufactured. In certain embodiments, the initialoperating parameters of step 1010 comprise those operating parametersestablished at the time the read channel was manufactured. In certainembodiments, the initial operating parameters of step 1010 comprisethose operating parameters established at the time one or more readchannel devices were manufactured in combination with one or moreoperating parameters determined when the read channel was manufactured.In certain embodiments, the one or more initial operating parameters arestored in a data storage device controller, such as controller 134(FIGS. 1, 3) and/or 144 (FIGS. 1, 3).

In step 1020, Applicants' method sets an error correction threshold. Asdescribed above, Applicants' read channel includes error correctionmodule 495. The error correction threshold of step 1020 comprises themaximum acceptable error rate, i.e. the maximum acceptable rate at whichone or more corrections are made to the digital signal provided to theerror correction module. In certain embodiments, the error correctionthreshold is determined by the user. In certain embodiments, the errorcorrection threshold is set in firmware disposed in a data storagedevice controller. In certain embodiments, the error correctionthreshold is set in firmware disposed in a data storage and retrievalsystem controller. In certain embodiments, the error correctionthreshold is set by the system user. In certain embodiments, the errorcorrection threshold is determined by a host computer.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, information is read from aninformation storage medium over a period of time. As described above,Applicants' method first forms an analog waveform comprising theinformation encoded in the information storage medium. That analogwaveform is continuously formed over the time interval. Over the timeinterval, a digital signal is formed from that analog waveform. In step1025, Applicants' method, over a first portion of the time interval,reads information from the information storage medium using the firstoperating parameters of step 1010.

In step 1030, Applicants' method error corrects the digital signalformed using the first operating parameters. Step 1030 further includesdetermining an actual error correction rate. In certain embodiments,step 1030 is performed by a storage device controller, such as devicecontroller 134 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4) or device controller 144 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4).In certain embodiments, step 1030 is performed by a host computer, suchas host computer 390 (FIGS. 1, 3). In certain embodiments, step 1030 isperformed by a data storage and retrieval system controller, such ascontroller 160 (FIG. 1).

In step 1040, Applicants' method determines if the actual errorcorrection rate of step 1030 is greater than the error-correctionthreshold of step 1020. In certain embodiments, step 1040 is performedby a storage device controller, such as device controller 134 (FIGS. 1,3, 4) or device controller 144 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4). In certain embodiments,step 1040 is performed by a host computer, such as host computer 390(FIGS. 1, 3). In certain embodiments, step 1040 is performed by a datastorage and retrieval system controller, such as controller 160 (FIG.1). In certain embodiments, step 1040 is performed by a user using anoperator input station, such as station 150 (FIG. 1).

If Applicants' method determines in step 1040 that the actual errorcorrection rate is not greater than the error correction threshold, thenApplicants' method transitions from step 1040 to step 1005 and continuesreading information from the information storage medium using the firstoperating parameters. Alternatively, if Applicants' method determines instep 1040 that the actual error correction rate is greater than thethreshold error correction threshold, then Applicants' method adjuststhe operating parameters of one or more read channel devices to reducethe actual error correction rate.

More specifically, if Applicants' method determines in step 1040 thatthe actual error correction rate is greater than the error correctionthreshold, then Applicants'method transitions from step 1040 to step1050 wherein Applicants' method selects one or more read channel devicesto optimize. In certain embodiments, those one or more read channeldevices are selected from the group consisting of equalizer 415,mid-linear filter 425, sample interpolator 435, gain control module 445,phase error generator 455, PLL circuit 465, phase interpolator 475, andmaximum likelihood detector 485.

In certain embodiments, step 1050 is performed by a storage devicecontroller, such as device controller 134 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4) or devicecontroller 144 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4). In certain embodiments, step 1050 isperformed by a host computer, such as host computer 390 (FIGS. 1, 3). Incertain embodiments, step 1050 is performed by a data storage andretrieval system controller, such as controller 160 (FIG. 1). In certainembodiments, step 1050 is performed by a user using an operator inputstation, such as station 150 (FIG. 1).

In step 1060, Applicants' method collects data from the one or moretestports selected in step 1050. In certain embodiments, step 1060includes activating those one or more testports, such as one or more oftestports 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 479, 480, and 490. Incertain embodiments, step 1060 includes communicating data from theseone or more testports to a data cache, such as data cache 403.

In certain embodiments, step 1060 includes collecting information from asingle testport disposed in a single read channel. In certainembodiments, step 1060 includes collecting information from a pluralityof testports disposed in a single read channel. In certain embodiments,step 1060 includes collecting information from a plurality of testportsdisposed in a plurality of read channels.

In certain embodiments, step 1060 is performed by a storage devicecontroller, such as device controller 134 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4) or devicecontroller 144 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4). In certain embodiments, step 1060 isperformed by a host computer, such as host computer 390 (FIGS. 1, 3). Incertain embodiments, step 1060 is performed by a data storage andretrieval system controller, such as controller 160 (FIG. 1).

In step 1070, Applicants' method stores the information collected instep 1060 in a data cache, such as data cache 403. In step 1080, theinformation stored in step 1070 is read by a controller. In certainembodiments, step 1080 is performed by a storage device controller, suchas device controller 134 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4) or device controller 144 (FIGS.1, 3, 4). In certain embodiments, step 1080 is performed by a hostcomputer, such as host computer 390 (FIGS. 1, 3). In certainembodiments, step 1080 is performed by a data storage and retrievalsystem controller, such as controller 160 (FIG. 1).

Using the information read in step 1080, in step 1090 Applicants' methodgenerates adjusted operating parameters for the devices selected in step1050. In certain embodiments, step 1090 is performed by a storage devicecontroller, such as device controller 134 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4) or devicecontroller 144 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4). In certain embodiments, step 1090 isperformed by a host computer, such as host computer 390 (FIGS. 1, 3). Incertain embodiments, step 1090 is performed by a data storage andretrieval system controller, such as controller 160 (FIG. 1).

In step 1095, the adjusted operating parameters of step 1090 areprovided to the devices selected in step 1050. In certain embodiments,step 1095 is performed by a storage device controller, such as devicecontroller 134 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4) or device controller 144 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4).In certain embodiments, step 1095 is performed by a host computer, suchas host computer 390 (FIGS. 1, 3). In certain embodiments, step 1095 isperformed by a data storage and retrieval system controller, such ascontroller 160 (FIG. 1).

In certain embodiments, step 1095 includes communicating the adjustedoperating parameters using one or more of communication links 407, 417,427, 437, 447, 457, 467, 477, and 487. Applicants' method transitionsfrom step 1095 to step 1040 and continues.

FIG. 11 summarizes the steps of Applicants' method to capture data fromone or more read channels using one or more testports. Applicants'method transitions from step 1050 (FIG. 10), wherein one or moretestports are selected, to step 1110 wherein Applicants' method sets theoutput of those one or more selected testports as the signal source. Incertain embodiments, step 1110 is performed by a storage devicecontroller, such as device controller 134 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4) or devicecontroller 144 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4). In certain embodiments, step 1110 isperformed by a host computer, such as host computer 390 (FIGS. 1, 3). Incertain embodiments, step 1110 is performed by a data storage andretrieval system controller, such as controller 160 (FIG. 1).

In step 1115, Applicants' method enables the SRAM core. In certainembodiments, step 1115 is performed by a storage device controller, suchas device controller 134 or device controller 144. In certainembodiments, step 1115 is performed by a host computer, such as hostcomputer 390. In certain embodiments, step 1115 is performed by a datastorage and retrieval system controller, such as controller 160.

In step 1120, Applicants' method selects (N) data channels for input tothe SRAM. In certain embodiments, (N) is an integer greater than orequal to 1 and less than or equal to 8. If data is being captured from asingle testport in a single read channel, then (N) is set to 1. If datais being captured from 8 different read channels, then (N) is set to 8.In certain embodiments, step 1120 is performed by a storage devicecontroller, such as device controller 134 or device controller 144. Incertain embodiments, step 1120 is performed by a host computer, such ashost computer 390. In certain embodiments, step 1120 is performed by adata storage and retrieval system controller, such as controller 160.

In step 1125, Applicants' method selects the trigger. By “trigger,”Applicants mean the signal which initiates data capture. In certainembodiments, the trigger comprises a signal from error correction module495 that the actual error correction rate is greater than the thresholderror correction rate. In certain embodiments, the trigger comprises asignal from error correction module 495 that the read head is overcalibration fields on the recording media, i.e. a “DSS” trigger. Incertain embodiments, the trigger comprises a signal from a data storagedevice controller, such as controller 134 (FIGS. 1, 3, 4). In certainembodiments, the trigger comprises a signal from a data storage andretrieval system controller, such as controller 160 (FIG. 1). In certainembodiments, the trigger comprises a signal from a host computer, suchas host 390 (FIGS. 1, 3). In certain embodiments, the trigger comprisesa signal from an operator input station, such as operator input station150 (FIG. 1).

In step 1130, Applicants' method sets the SRAM to capture data of every8/(N)th clock. In certain embodiments, step 1135 is performed by astorage device controller, such as device controller 134/144. In certainembodiments, step 1135 is performed by a host computer, such as hostcomputer 390. In certain embodiments, step 1135 is performed by a datastorage and retrieval system controller, such as controller 160.

In step 1135, Applicants' method selects a MUX/DEMUX module for datacapture. For example, if data is captured from 8 different testports,then Applicants' method selects the MUX module shown in FIG. 6. If datais captured from 4 different testports, then Applicants' method selectsthe MUX/DEMUX module shown in FIG. 7. If data is captured from 2different testports, then Applicants' method selects the MUX/DEMUXmodule shown in FIG. 8. If data is captured from 1 testport, thenApplicants' method selects the MUX/DEMUX module shown in FIG. 8. Incertain embodiments, step 1135 is performed by a storage devicecontroller, such as device controller 134 or device controller 144. Incertain embodiments, step 1135 is performed by a host computer, such ashost computer 390. In certain embodiments, step 1135 is performed by adata storage and retrieval system controller, such as controller 160.

In step 1140, Applicants' method disables the external SRAM writefeature. In certain embodiments, step 1140 is performed by a storagedevice controller, such as device controller 134 or device controller144. In certain embodiments, step 1140 is performed by a host computer,such as host computer 390. In certain embodiments, step 1140 isperformed by a data storage and retrieval system controller, such ascontroller 160.

In step 1145, Applicants' method sets the SRAM interface to startsampling when the selected trigger is detected. In certain embodiments,step 1145 is performed by a storage device controller, such as devicecontroller 134 or device controller 144. In certain embodiments, step1145 is performed by a host computer, such as host computer 390. Incertain embodiments, step 1145 is performed by a data storage andretrieval system controller, such as controller 160.

In step 1150, Applicants' method enables the selected trigger. Incertain embodiments, step 1150 is performed by a storage devicecontroller, such as device controller 134 or device controller 144. Incertain embodiments, step 1150 is performed by a host computer, such ashost computer 390. In certain embodiments, step 1150 is performed by adata storage and retrieval system controller, such as controller 160.

In step 1155, Applicants' method waits until the selected trigger isdetected. In certain embodiments, step 1155 is performed by a storagedevice controller, such as device controller 134 or device controller144. In certain embodiments, step 1155 is performed by a host computer,such as host computer 390. In certain embodiments, step 1155 isperformed by a data storage and retrieval system controller, such ascontroller 160.

In step 1160, Applicants' method determines if the selected trigger hasbeen detected. In certain embodiments, step 1160 is performed by astorage device controller, such as device controller 134 or devicecontroller 144. In certain embodiments, step 1160 is performed by a hostcomputer, such as host computer 390. In certain embodiments, step 1160is performed by a data storage and retrieval system controller, such ascontroller 160. If Applicants' method determines in step 1160 that theselected trigger has not been detected, then Applicants' methodtransitions from step 1160 to step 1155.

Alternatively, if Applicants' method determines in step 1160 that theselected trigger is detected, then Applicants' method transitions fromstep 1160 to step 1165 wherein Applicants' method collects data on thetestports selected in step 1050 (FIG. 10). In certain embodiments, step1165 is performed by a storage device controller, such as devicecontroller 134 or device controller 144. In certain embodiments, step1165 is performed by a host computer, such as host computer 390. Incertain embodiments, step 1165 is performed by a data storage andretrieval system controller, such as controller 160.

In step 1170, Applicants' method determines if the data cache is filled.In certain embodiments, step 1170 is performed by a storage devicecontroller, such as device controller 134 or device controller 144. Incertain embodiments, step 1170 is performed by a host computer, such ashost computer 390. In certain embodiments, step 1170 is performed by adata storage and retrieval system controller, such as controller 160. IfApplicants' method determines in step 1170 that the data cache isfilled, then Applicants' method transitions from step 1170 to step 1080(FIG. 10). Alternatively, if Applicants' method determines in step 1170that the data cache is not filled, then Applicants' method transitionsfrom step 1170 to step 1165 wherein Applicants' method continues tocollect data on the selected channel.

The embodiments of Applicants' method recited in FIGS. 10 and 11 may beimplemented separately. Moreover, in certain embodiments, individualsteps recited in FIGS. 10 and/or 11 may be combined, eliminated, orreordered.

Examples I and II are presented to further illustrate to persons skilledin the art how to make and use the invention and to identify certainembodiments thereof. These examples are not intended as limitations,however, upon the scope of the invention, which is defined only by theappended claims.

Example I

In Example I the first digital signal, i.e. the input to equalizer 415,is captured from testport 410 disposed on eight different read channelsusing a DSS trigger. Table I recites various registers, registersettings, and descriptions of steps used to capture the first digitalsignal for later analysis. In certain embodiments, the registers shownin TABLE I are disposed in a microprocessor interface 401. If in thisexample, the data cache comprises about 4 KB of memory, then each of the8 signal sources is allocated about 500 B of that memory.

In certain embodiments, the registers shown in TABLE I are disposed in adata storage and retrieval system controller. In certain embodiments,the registers shown in TABLE I are disposed in a host computer.

TABLE I REGISTER SETTING DESCRIPTION XR_TPSEL0_M X′00′ Set the output oftestport0 to equalizer input XR_RAMCTL1_M X′20′ Enable the SRAM coreXR_RAMCTL2_M X′A8′ Select data channels for input to SRAM Disable themicroprocessor trigger Enable DSS trigger Disable the trigger on bytecompare Hold SRAM interface in a reset mode Disable SRAM any externalmicroprocessor writes Set the SRAM to capture data on every clockXR_RAMMUX1_M X′00′ Select MUX-B as the SRAM source Select testport 0 asthe MUX-B input XR_RAMADDIH_M X′00′ Disable the external SRAM writefeature XR_RAMTRIGX_M X′00′ Set the SRAM interface to start samplingwhen DSS is detected XR_RAMCTL2_M X′A0′ Enable SRAM interfaceXR_RAMSTAT_M If = X′80′ Then the SRAM has been filled If = X′00′ Thenthe SRAM has not been filled

Example II

In Example II the first digital signal, i.e. the input to equalizer 415,is captured from testport 410 on read channel 5 using a storage devicemicroprocessor trigger. Table II recites various registers, registersettings, and descriptions of steps used to capture the first digitalsignal for later analysis. In certain embodiments, the registers shownin TABLE II are disposed in a microprocessor interface 401. In thisexample, all the memory capability of the data cache is allocated todata captured from the single signal source.

In certain embodiments, the registers shown in TABLE II are disposed ina data storage and retrieval system controller. In certain embodiments,the registers shown in TABLE II are disposed in a host computer.

TABLE II REGISTER SETTING DESCRIPTION XR_TPSEL0_M X′00′ Set the outputof testport0 to equalizer input XR_RAMCTL1_M X′20′ Enable the SRAM coreXR_RAMCTL2_M X′CB′ Select data channels for input to SRAM Enable themicroprocessor trigger Disable the DSS trigger Disable the trigger onbyte compare Hold SRAM interface in a reset mode Disable SRAM anyexternal microprocessor writes Set the SRAM to capture data on every8^(th) clock XR_RAMMUX1_M X′4A′ Select MUX-C as the SRAM source Selecttestport 0 as the MUX-B input XR_RAMADDIH_M X′00′ Disable the externalSRAM write feature XR_RAMTRIGX_M X′00′ Set the SRAM interface to startsampling when DSS is detected XR_RAMCTL2_M X′C3′ Enable SRAM interfaceXR_RAMTRIGX_M X′80′ Start data collection on channel 5 XR_RAMSTAT_M If =X′80′ Then the SRAM has been filled If = X′00′ Then the SRAM has notbeen filled

Applicants' invention includes an article of manufacture comprising acomputer useable medium having computer readable program code disposedtherein to read data from an information storage medium usingApplicants' read channel assembly. Applicants' invention furtherincludes a computer program product usable with a programmable computerprocessor having computer readable program code embodied therein methodto read data from an information storage medium using Applicants' readchannel assembly.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications andadaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope of the present invention as set forthin the following claims.

1. A method to read information from an information storage medium usinga read channel, comprising the steps of: generating over a time intervalan analog waveform comprising said information; providing throughoutsaid time interval said analog waveform to said read channel; providinga controller comprising one or more first operating parameters for saidread channel; providing said one or more first operating parameters tosaid read channel; generating a digital signal throughout a firstportion of said time interval from said analog waveform using said oneor more first operating parameters; setting an error correction ratethreshold; error correcting said digital signal during said firstportion of said time interval at an actual error correction rate;determining if said actual error correction rate is greater than saiderror correction rate threshold; operative if said actual errorcorrection rate is not greater than said error correction ratethreshold, continuing to generate said digital signal throughout saidtime interval using said one or more first operating parameters;operative if said actual error correction rate is greater than saiderror correction rate threshold: storing said digital signal in saiddata cache during said first portion of said time interval; reading saiddigital signal from said cache by said controller during said firstportion of said time interval; generating by said controller one or moresecond operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; providing said one or more second operating parameters to saidread channel during said first portion of said time interval; generatingsaid digital signal using said one or more second operating parametersduring a second portion of said time interval.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein said read channel comprises an equalizer and wherein saidcontroller comprises one or more first equalizer operating parameters,further comprising the steps of: providing to said equalizer said one ormore first equalizer operating parameters; generating said digitalsignal using said one or more first equalizer operating parametersduring said first portion of said time interval; operative if saidactual error correction rate is greater than said error correction ratethreshold: generating by said controller one or more second equalizeroperating parameters during said first portion of said time interval;providing said one or more second equalizer operating parameters to saidequalizer during said first portion of said time interval; generatingsaid digital signal using said one or more second equalizer operatingparameters during said second portion of said time interval.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said read channel comprises a mid-linearfilter and wherein said controller comprises one or more firstmid-linear filter operating parameters, further comprising the steps of:providing to said mid-linear filter said one or more first equalizeroperating parameters; generating said digital signal using said one ormore first mid-linear filter operating parameters during said firstportion of said time interval; operative if said actual error correctionrate is greater than said error correction rate threshold: generating bysaid controller one or more second mid-linear filter operatingparameters during said first portion of said time interval; providingsaid one or more second mid-linear filter operating parameters to saidmid-linear filter during said first portion of said time interval;generating said digital signal using said one or more second mid-linearfilter operating parameters during said second portion of said timeinterval.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said read channel comprisesa sample interpolator and wherein said controller comprises one or morefirst sample interpolator operating parameters, further comprising thesteps of: providing to said sample interpolator said one or more firstsample interpolator operating parameters; generating said digital signalusing said one or more first sample interpolator operating parametersduring said first portion of said time interval; operative if saidactual error correction rate is greater than said error correction ratethreshold: generating by said controller one or more second sampleinterpolator operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; providing said one or more second sample interpolatoroperating parameters to said sample interpolator during said firstportion of said time interval; generating said digital signal using saidone or more second sample interpolator parameters during said secondportion of said time interval.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein saidread channel comprises a gain control module and wherein said controllercomprises one or more first gain control module operating parameters,further comprising the steps of: providing to said gain control modulesaid one or more first gain control module operating parameters;generating said digital signal using said one or more first gain controlmodule operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; operative if said actual error correction rate is greater thansaid error correction rate threshold: generating by said controller oneor more second gain control module operating parameters during saidfirst portion of said time interval; providing said one or more secondgain control module operating parameters to said gain control moduleduring said first portion of said time interval; generating said digitalsignal using said one or more second gain control module operatingparameters during said second portion of said time interval.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said read channel comprises a phase errorgenerator and wherein said controller comprises one or more first phaseerror generator operating parameters, further comprising the steps of:providing to said phase error generator said one or more first phaseerror generator operating parameters; generating said digital signalusing said one or more first phase error generator operating parametersduring said first portion of said time interval; operative if saidactual error correction rate is greater than said error correction ratethreshold: generating by said controller one or more second phase errorgenerator operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; providing said one or more second phase error generatoroperating parameters to said phase error generator during said firstportion of said time interval; generating said digital signal using saidone or more second phase error generator operating parameters duringsaid second portion of said time interval.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein said read channel further a PLL circuit and wherein saidcontroller comprises one or more first a PLL circuit operatingparameters, further comprising the steps of: providing to said a PLLcircuit said one or more first a PLL circuit operating parameters;generating said digital signal using said one or more first a PLLcircuit operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; operative if said actual error correction rate is greater thansaid error correction rate threshold: generating by said controller oneor more second a PLL circuit operating parameters during said firstportion of said time interval; providing said one or more second a PLLcircuit operating parameters to said a PLL circuit during said firstportion of said time interval; generating said digital signal using saidone or more second a PLL circuit operating parameters during said secondportion of said time interval.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein saidread channel comprises a phase interpolator and wherein said controllercomprises one or more first phase interpolator operating parameters,further comprising the steps of: providing to said phase interpolatorsaid one or more first phase interpolator operating parameters;generating said digital signal using said one or more first phaseinterpolator operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; operative if said actual error correction rate is greater thansaid error correction rate threshold: generating by said controller oneor more second phase interpolator operating parameters during said firstportion of said time interval; providing said one or more second phaseinterpolator operating parameters to said phase interpolator during saidfirst portion of said time interval; generating said digital signalusing said one or more second phase interpolator operating parametersduring said second portion of said time interval.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein said read channel comprises a maximum likelihood detector andwherein said controller comprises one or more first maximum likelihooddetector operating parameters, further comprising the steps of:providing to said maximum likelihood detector said one or more firstmaximum likelihood detector operating parameters; generating saiddigital signal using said one or more first maximum likelihood detectoroperating parameters during said first portion of said time interval;operative if said actual error correction rate is greater than saiderror correction rate threshold: generating by said controller one ormore second maximum likelihood detector operating parameters during saidfirst portion of said time interval; providing said one or more secondmaximum likelihood detector operating parameters to said sampleinterpolator during said first portion of said time interval; generatingsaid digital signal using said one or more second maximum likelihooddetector operating parameters during a second portion of said timeinterval.
 10. An article of manufacture comprising a computer useablemedium having computer readable program code disposed therein to readinformation from an information storage medium using a read channel,wherein said article of manufacture further comprises a controller andone or more first operating parameters for said read channel, andwherein said read channel comprises a data cache, the computer readableprogram code comprising a series of computer readable program steps toeffect: generating over a time interval an analog waveform comprisingsaid information; providing throughout said time interval said analogwaveform to said read channel; providing said one or more firstoperating parameters to said read channel; generating a digital signalthroughout a first portion of said time interval from said analogwaveform using said one or more first operating parameters; setting anerror correction rate threshold; error correcting said digital signalduring said first portion of said time interval at an actual errorcorrection rate; determining if said actual error correction rate isgreater than said error correction rate threshold; operative if saidactual error correction rate is not greater than said error correctionrate threshold, continuing to generate said digital signal throughoutsaid time interval using said one or more first operating parameters;operative if said actual error correction rate is greater than saiderror correction rate threshold: storing said digital signal in saiddata cache during said first portion of said time interval; reading saiddigital signal from said cache by said controller during said firstportion of said time interval; generating by said controller one or moresecond operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; providing said one or more second operating parameters to saidread channel during said first portion of said time interval; generatingsaid digital signal using said one or more second operating parametersduring a second portion of said time interval.
 11. The article ofmanufacture of claim 10, wherein said read channel comprises anequalizer and wherein said controller comprises one or more firstequalizer operating parameters, said computer readable program codefurther comprising a series of computer readable program steps toeffect: providing to said equalizer said one or more first equalizeroperating parameters; generating said digital signal using said one ormore first equalizer operating parameters during said first portion ofsaid time interval; operative if said actual error correction rate isgreater than said error correction rate threshold: generating by saidcontroller one or more second equalizer operating parameters during saidfirst portion of said time interval; providing said one or more secondequalizer operating parameters to said equalizer during said firstportion of said time interval; generating said digital signal using saidone or more second equalizer operating parameters during said secondportion of said time interval.
 12. The article of manufacture of claim10, wherein said read channel comprises a mid-linear filter, and whereinsaid controller comprises one or more first mid-linear filter operatingparameters, said computer readable program code further comprising aseries of computer readable program steps to effect: providing to saidmid-linear filter said one or more first equalizer operating parameters;generating said digital signal using said one or more first mid-linearfilter operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; operative if said actual error correction rate is greater thansaid error correction rate threshold: generating by said controller oneor more second mid-linear filter operating parameters during said firstportion of said time interval; providing said one or more secondmid-linear filter operating parameters to said mid-linear filter duringsaid first portion of said time interval; generating said digital signalusing said one or more second mid-linear filter operating parametersduring said second portion of said time interval.
 13. The article ofmanufacture of claim 10, wherein said read channel comprises a sampleinterpolator, and wherein said controller comprises one or more firstsample interpolator operating parameters, said computer readable programcode further comprising a series of computer readable program steps toeffect: providing to said sample interpolator said one or more firstsample interpolator operating parameters; generating said digital signalusing said one or more first sample interpolator operating parametersduring said first portion of said time interval; operative if saidactual error correction rate is greater than said error correction ratethreshold: generating by said controller one or more second sampleinterpolator operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; providing said one or more second sample interpolatoroperating parameters to said sample interpolator during said firstportion of said time interval; generating said digital signal using saidone or more second sample interpolator parameters during said secondportion of said time interval.
 14. The article of manufacture of claim10, wherein said read channel comprises a gain control module, andwherein said controller comprises one or more first gain control moduleoperating parameters, said computer readable program code furthercomprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect:providing to said gain control module said one or more first gaincontrol module operating parameters; generating said digital signalusing said one or more first gain control module operating parametersduring said first portion of said time interval; operative if saidactual error correction rate is greater than said error correction ratethreshold: generating by said controller one or more second gain controlmodule operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; providing said one or more second gain control moduleoperating parameters to said gain control module during said firstportion of said time interval; generating said digital signal using saidone or more second gain control module operating parameters during saidsecond portion of said time interval.
 15. The article of manufacture ofclaim 10, wherein said read channel comprises a phase error generator,and wherein said controller comprises one or more first phase errorgenerator operating parameters, said computer readable program codefurther comprising a series of computer readable program steps toeffect: providing to said phase error generator said one or more firstphase error generator operating parameters; generating said digitalsignal using said one or more first phase error generator operatingparameters during said first portion of said time interval; operative ifsaid actual error correction rate is greater than said error correctionrate threshold: generating by said controller one or more second phaseerror generator operating parameters during said first portion of saidtime interval; providing said one or more second phase error generatoroperating parameters to said phase error generator during said firstportion of said time interval; generating said digital signal using saidone or more second phase error generator operating parameters duringsaid second portion of said time interval.
 16. The article ofmanufacture of claim 10, wherein said read channel comprises a PLLcircuit, and wherein said controller comprises one or more first PLLcircuit operating parameters, said computer readable program codefurther comprising a series of computer readable program steps toeffect: providing to said a PLL circuit said one or more first a PLLcircuit operating parameters; generating said digital signal using saidone or more first a PLL circuit operating parameters during said firstportion of said time interval; operative if said actual error correctionrate is greater than said error correction rate threshold: generating bysaid controller one or more second a PLL circuit operating parametersduring said first portion of said time interval; providing said one ormore second a PLL circuit operating parameters to said a PLL circuitduring said first portion of said time interval; generating said digitalsignal using said one or more second a PLL circuit operating parametersduring said second portion of said time interval.
 17. The article ofmanufacture of claim 10, wherein said read channel comprises a phaseinterpolator, and wherein said controller comprises one or more firstphase interpolator operating parameters, said computer readable programcode further comprising a series of computer readable program steps toeffect: providing to said phase interpolator said one or more firstphase interpolator operating parameters; generating said digital signalusing said one or more first phase interpolator operating parametersduring said first portion of said time interval; operative if saidactual error correction rate is greater than said error correction ratethreshold: generating by said controller one or more second phaseinterpolator operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; providing said one or more second phase interpolator operatingparameters to said phase interpolator during said first portion of saidtime interval; generating said digital signal using said one or moresecond phase interpolator operating parameters during said secondportion of said time interval.
 18. The article of manufacture of claim10, wherein said read channel comprises a maximum likelihood detector,and wherein said controller comprises one or more first maximumlikelihood detector operating parameters, said computer readable programcode further comprising a series of computer readable program steps toeffect: providing to said maximum likelihood detector said one or morefirst maximum likelihood detector operating parameters; generating saiddigital signal using said one or more first maximum likelihood detectoroperating parameters during said first portion of said time interval;operative if said actual error correction rate is greater than saiderror correction rate threshold: generating by said controller one ormore second maximum likelihood detector operating parameters during saidfirst portion of said time interval; providing said one or more secondmaximum likelihood detector operating parameters to said sampleinterpolator during said first portion of said time interval; generatingsaid digital signal using said one or more second maximum likelihooddetector operating parameters during a second portion of said timeinterval.
 19. A computer program product usable with a programmablecomputer processor having computer readable program code embodiedtherein to read information from an information storage medium using aread channel wherein said read channel comprises a data cache,comprising: computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to generate over a time interval ananalog waveform comprising said information; computer readable programcode which causes said programmable computer processor to providethroughout said time interval said analog waveform to a read channel,wherein said read channel comprises a data cache; computer readableprogram code which causes said programmable computer processor toprovide one or more first operating parameters to said read channel;computer readable program code which causes said programmable computerprocessor to generate a digital signal throughout a first portion ofsaid time interval from said analog waveform using said one or morefirst operating parameters; computer readable program code which causessaid programmable computer processor to retrieve an error correctionrate threshold; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to error correct said digital signalduring said first portion of said time interval at an actual errorcorrection rate; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to determine if said actual errorcorrection rate is greater than said error correction rate threshold;computer readable program code which, if said actual error correctionrate is not greater than said error correction rate threshold, causessaid programmable computer processor to continue to generate saiddigital signal throughout said time interval using said one or morefirst operating parameters; computer readable program code which, ifsaid actual error correction rate is greater than said error correctionrate threshold, causes said programmable computer processor to storesaid digital signal in said data cache during said first portion of saidtime interval; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to read said digital signal from saidcache during said first portion of said time interval; computer readableprogram code which causes said programmable computer processor togenerate one or more second operating parameters during said firstportion of said time interval; computer readable program code whichcauses said programmable computer processor to provide said one or moresecond operating parameters to said read channel during said firstportion of said time interval; computer readable program code whichcauses said programmable computer processor to generate said digitalsignal using said one or more second operating parameters during asecond portion of said time interval.
 20. The computer program productof claim 19, wherein said read channel further comprises an equalizer,further comprising: one or more first equalizer operating parameters;computer readable program code which causes said programmable computerprocessor to provide to said equalizer said one or more first equalizeroperating parameters; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to generate said digital signal usingsaid one or more first equalizer operating parameters during said firstportion of said time interval; computer readable program code which, ifsaid actual error correction rate is greater than said error correctionrate threshold, causes said programmable computer processor to generateone or more second equalizer operating parameters during said firstportion of said time interval; computer readable program code whichcauses said programmable computer processor to provide said one or moresecond equalizer operating parameters to said equalizer during saidfirst portion of said time interval; computer readable program codewhich causes said programmable computer processor to generate saiddigital signal using said one or more second equalizer operatingparameters during said second portion of said time interval.
 21. Thecomputer program product of claim 19, wherein said read channel furthercomprises a mid-linear filter, further comprising: one or more firstmid-linear filter operating parameters; computer readable program codewhich causes said programmable computer processor to provide to saidmid-linear filter one or more first mid-linear filter operatingparameters; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to generate said digital signal usingsaid one or more first mid-linear filter operating parameters duringsaid first portion of said time interval; computer readable program codewhich, if said actual error correction rate is greater than said errorcorrection rate threshold, causes said programmable computer processorto generate one or more second mid-linear filter operating parametersduring said first portion of said time interval; computer readableprogram code which causes said programmable computer processor toprovide said one or more second mid-linear filter operating parametersto said mid-linear filter during said first portion of said timeinterval; computer readable program code which causes said programmablecomputer processor to generate said digital signal using said one ormore second mid-linear filter operating parameters during said secondportion of said time interval.
 22. The computer program product of claim19, wherein said read channel further comprises a sample interpolator,further comprising: one or more first sample interpolator operatingparameters; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to provide to said sample interpolatorsaid one or more first sample interpolator operating parameters;computer readable program code which causes said programmable computerprocessor to generate said digital signal using said one or more firstsample interpolator operating parameters during said first portion ofsaid time interval; computer readable program code which, if said actualerror correction rate is greater than said error correction ratethreshold, causes said programmable computer processor to generate oneor more second sample interpolator operating parameters during saidfirst portion of said time interval; computer readable program codewhich causes said programmable computer processor to provide said one ormore second sample interpolator operating parameters to said sampleinterpolator during said first portion of said time interval; computerreadable program code which causes said programmable computer processorto generate said digital signal using said one or more second sampleinterpolator operating parameters during said second portion of saidtime interval.
 23. The computer program product of claim 19, whereinsaid read channel further comprises a gain control module, furthercomprising: one or more first gain control module operating parameters;computer readable program code which causes said programmable computerprocessor to provide to said gain control module said one or more firstgain control module operating parameters; computer readable program codewhich causes said programmable computer processor to generating saiddigital signal using said one or more first gain control moduleoperating parameters during said first portion of said time interval;computer readable program code which, if said actual error correctionrate is greater than said error correction rate threshold, causes saidprogrammable computer processor to generate one or more second gaincontrol module operating parameters during said first portion of saidtime interval; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to provide said one or more second gaincontrol module operating parameters to said gain control module duringsaid first portion of said time interval; computer readable program codewhich causes said programmable computer processor to generate saiddigital signal using said one or more second gain control moduleoperating parameters during said second portion of said time interval.24. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein said read channelfurther comprises a phase error generator, further comprising: one ormore first phase error generator operating parameters; computer readableprogram code which causes said programmable computer processor toprovide to said phase error generator said one or more first phase errorgenerator operating parameters; computer readable program code whichcauses said programmable computer processor to generating said digitalsignal using said one or more first phase error generator operatingparameters during said first portion of said time interval; computerreadable program code which, if said actual error correction rate isgreater than said error correction rate threshold, causes saidprogrammable computer processor to generate one or more second phaseerror generator operating parameters during said first portion of saidtime interval; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to provide said one or more second phaseerror generator operating parameters to said phase error generatorduring said first portion of said time interval; computer readableprogram code which causes said programmable computer processor togenerate said digital signal using said one or more second phase errorgenerator operating parameters during said second portion of said timeinterval. providing said one or more second phase error generatoroperating parameters to said phase error generator during said firstportion of said time interval; generating said digital signal using saidone or more second phase error generator operating parameters duringsaid second portion of said time interval.
 25. The computer programproduct of claim 19, wherein said read channel further comprises a PLLcircuit, further comprising: one or more first PLL circuit operatingparameters; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to provide to said PLL circuit said oneor more first PLL circuit operating parameters; computer readableprogram code which causes said programmable computer processor togenerate said digital signal using said one or more first PLL circuitoperating parameters during said first portion of said time interval;computer readable program code which, if said actual error correctionrate is greater than said error correction rate threshold, causes saidprogrammable computer processor to generate one or more second PLLcircuit operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; computer readable program code which causes said programmablecomputer processor to provide said one or more second PLL circuitoperating parameters to said PLL circuit during said first portion ofsaid time interval; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to generate said digital signal usingsaid one or more second PLL circuit operating parameters during saidsecond portion of said time interval.
 26. The computer program productof claim 19, wherein said read channel further comprises a phaseinterpolator, further comprising: one or more first phase interpolatoroperating parameters; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to provide to said phase interpolatorsaid one or more first phase interpolator operating parameters; computerreadable program code which causes said programmable computer processorto generate said digital signal using said one or more first phaseinterpolator operating parameters during said first portion of said timeinterval; computer readable program code which, if said actual errorcorrection rate is greater than said error correction rate threshold,causes said programmable computer processor to generate one or moresecond phase interpolator operating parameters during said first portionof said time interval; computer readable program code which causes saidprogrammable computer processor to provide said one or more second phaseinterpolator operating parameters to said phase interpolator during saidfirst portion of said time interval; computer readable program codewhich causes said programmable computer processor to generate saiddigital signal using said one or more second phase interpolatoroperating parameters during said second portion of said time interval.27. The computer program product of claim 19, wherein said read channelfurther comprises a maximum likelihood detector, further comprising: oneor more first maximum likelihood detector operating parameters; computerreadable program code which causes said programmable computer processorto provide to said maximum likelihood detector said one or more firstmaximum likelihood detector operating parameters; computer readableprogram code which causes said programmable computer processor togenerating said digital signal using said one or more first maximumlikelihood detector operating parameters during said first portion ofsaid time interval; computer readable program code which, if said actualerror correction rate is greater than said error correction ratethreshold, causes said programmable computer processor to generate oneor more second maximum likelihood detector operating parameters duringsaid first portion of said time interval; computer readable program codewhich causes said programmable computer processor to provide said one ormore second maximum likelihood detector operating parameters to saidmaximum likelihood detector during said first portion of said timeinterval; computer readable program code which causes said programmablecomputer processor to generate said digital signal using said one ormore second maximum likelihood detector operating parameters during saidsecond portion of said time interval.